A real toxic atmosphere around Villa Park this afternoon and their appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Eric Black's side lacked the fight and the heart for the task of taking on a Chelsea side, who have shown themselves to be very beatable this season.

Aston Villa very much on the brink and their relegation could be confirmed as early as next weekend after their seventh defeat on the spin to Chelsea. Guus Hiddink maintains his unbeaten Premier League record and there was plenty of encouragement for the future after Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored his first top flight goal and Alexandre Pato netted on his Blues debut. Pedro struck twice after the break which led to strong protests from Villa fans.

Banners and placards being held up by several Villa fans with around 12 minutes of the game remaining. Branislav Ivanovic shoots at goal from a 30-yard free-kick, which is easily saved by Guzan. Strange moment.

Every touch from Bacuna is being booed by the Villa support. Very rare you see such despondency towards an individual from his own fans. Amid the mutiny a few encouraging moments for Villa as Grealish appeals for a penalty after being felled by Pedro, which is waved away, before Westwood volleys wide after Courtois' punch found the midfielder on the edge of the box.

Still over half an hour remaining and this is getting excruciating for Villa. Guzan turns Pato's shot into the path of Pedro, who knocks the ball into an empty net. Chelsea could fill their boots here. The banners continue to be unfurled around Villa Park.

Aston Villa have been admirably impressive but they have folded in this first half as Chelsea go in at the break with a two-goal advantage having barely broken sweat. It has been a half of firsts; a maiden Premier League goal for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a first Chelsea appearance for Alexandre Pato and an opening goal in English football for the Brazilian from the penalty spot. Guus Hiddink's experiment currently working a treat. Meanwhile, it is a same old story under Eric Black.

Aly Cissokho clumsily hauls down Alexandre Pato at the back post and Neil Swabrick has no hesitation but to point to the spot. The Villa defender survives being sent off but the damage is done as Pato marks his Chelsea debut with his first goal as he strokes beyond Guzan.

Charles Gil on the floor after the briefest of contact with the hand of Baba Rahman. Replays suggest there was little or no contact at all but Gil does appear to be struggling. The game restarts and Loftus-Cheek almost doubles the lead but he misses the far post after intercepting a pass on the edge of the Villa box.

Chance for Villa and probably their best of the first half. Jordan Ayew glides his way through the heart of the Chelsea back-four buts shoots wide when he should have hit the target. This 45 minutes has not been without encouragement for the hosts.